Ministerial Offices

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will provide a breakdown of the £17,000 cost of the fixtures and fittings in his new private office; arid if he will provide similar information for the private offices of his junior Ministers.

Expenditure incurred on furniture, office equipment and floor covering as the result of the move to Richmond house totalled £12,400 for furniture and £4,600 for floor coverings.

Furniture and fittings for the two restored historic room suites used by Ministers were provided in a style compatible with the restoration and not with individual Minister's or staff requirements. Such furniture was inherited for the use of the Department on occupancy of the building. The remaining three Ministers utilised furniture and equipment from the previous accommodation.